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6/5/2025
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Legislative leaders join educators to highlight Advanced Placement courses
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STATE HOUSE — Senate Education Chairwoman Hanna Gallo and House Education Committee Chairman Joseph McNamara joined Gov. Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, General Treasurer James Diossa, students and educators Wednesday to highlight Rhode Island high schools that provide access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, as well as the students who are excelling in them. In line with Math Matters RI initiative, this year’s AP Day celebration spotlighted district’s success in math-related AP courses.
The Advanced Placement Program enables high school students to pursue college-level studies and earn college credits based on AP exam performance, which may reduce the time and expense associated with attending college. Over the last 10 years, there has been a 9.3% growth in the number of high school graduates taking an AP Exam, making Rhode Island the state with the fourth highest growth in the nation.
“AP courses challenge students, expand their horizons, and open new doors to success and opportunity,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick). “Rhode Island students have been national leaders in AP achievement, and going forward, we must continue making these classes and exams available to all students. I especially want to recognize the important work of all the educators who make AP programs possible.”
“While in high school, AP gives students an academic edge,” said Representative McNamara. “The courses improve students’ development both academically and personally. Taking these classes provide students with the time management and critical thinking skills that they will not only take with them to college or university, but also something they will use in their personal life and in the workforce.”
“Rhode Island is committed to supporting students who take college-level courses to earn credit while still in high school as it sets them on paths for success in school and in career,” said Governor Dan McKee. “We’re excited that this year’s celebration has elevated and celebrated our students’ success in math-related AP courses. Whether budgeting in daily life or preparing for advance college courses, math matters, and this year’s awardees demonstrate the success that is possible when we embrace math.”
The State of Rhode Island offers qualified public high school students the opportunity to take college courses from Rhode Island’s public higher education institutions as part of their high school requirements, at no cost to the student or family. Currently, almost 40% of Rhode Island public school graduates leave high school taking an AP exam. Nearly 2,400 Rhode Island students took AP exams at no cost during the 2024 – 2025 school year thanks to the state’s investment in expanding access for these courses.
At the event, leaders touted the success of the rollout of AP precalculus courses. Across Rhode Island, 74% of all AP precalculus students score a 3 or higher on the AP exam. Among the high schools celebrated at the event, 95% of their students achieve a 3 or higher. The success of our AP Precalculus rollout elevates the importance of our Math Matters RI campaign led by Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante-Green. As part of this focus on math, the state developed a partnership with College Board and Khan Academy, which granted a no-cost opportunity to all local education agencies (LEAs) to enhance SAT preparation and student success through the integration of Khan Academy Districts and Khanmigo tools.
“As educators, our job is to prepare students of all backgrounds for success, and the availability of AP courses is critical,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Whether through Career and Technical Education, or Advanced Placement courses, RIDE is working to ensure all students are equipped with what they need to thrive during their educational journey and graduate prepared for college and career. We are encouraged that many students are excelling in math-focused courses and look forward to continuing to spread the message that: math matters!”
AP courses available to students in Rhode Island include Computer Science Principles, Precalculus, Seminar, and African American Studies among many other subject areas. Public colleges in Rhode Island have established minimum eligibility criteria for high school students who take AP courses.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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